Fiber optic radiation transmisson system connector for an optical fiber and methods of usine same

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic radiation transmission system is provided in which an optical fiber and a radiation source are connected to establish optical communication therebetween. Additionally, a connecting system is provided for connecting an optical fiber and a radiation source such that optical communication is established therebetween. The systems include a connector which carries the optical fiber therein. The connector is extendable within the system toward the radiation source to bring the optical fiber into optical communication with the radiation source. More particularly, the systems are configured in such a way that when the connector is extended sufficiently within the system, it seats the optical fiber relative to the radiation source under bias, thereby establishing a reliable optical connection. Once the optical connection is thus established, the connector engages a connection port associated with the radiation source to secure the system in a fully connected configuration appropriate for use. Thus, in a method of using such a system, the user simply extends the connector until the connector engages the connection port. The present invention thus provides efficient and reliable systems in which optical communication is established between an optical fiber and a radiation source.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/551,009, filed Oct.31, 1995.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a fiber optic radiation transmission system inwhich an optical fiber and a source of radiation are connected toestablish optical communication therebetween. This invention alsorelates to a system which is useful for connecting an optical fiber anda source of radiation and establishing optical communicationtherebetween.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a system, includingan optical fiber and a connector, in which the connector brings an endof the optical fiber into optical communication with a radiation sourceand secures the optical fiber end in this communicating relationship inpreparation for use.

Typically, the connecting of an optical fiber and a radiation source hasbeen accomplished by placing a standard ferrule and a standardconnector, such as a SMA 905 ferrule and a SMA 905 connector, on the endof the optical fiber, and screwing a nut on the connector onto acorrespondingly threaded standard bulkhead connector, such as a SMA 905bulkhead connector, thereby biasing the ferrule against a shoulder inthe bulkhead. This system is disadvantageous in that the nut on theconnector is difficult to manipulate when screwing the nut into thebulkhead. Additionally, it is difficult for the user to know whether ornot the nut has been screwed in sufficiently to bias the ferruleproperly against the shoulder in the bulkhead in order to obtain goodoptical communication between the optical fiber and the radiationsource.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a fiber opticradiation transmission system in which an optical fiber and a radiationsource are connected in a convenient manner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an opticalfiber connector system in which an optical fiber and a radiation sourceare connected in a convenient manner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system whichis useful to establish good optical communication between an end of anoptical fiber and a source of radiation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedmethod of connecting an optical fiber and a radiation source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a primary aspect of the present invention, briefly andgenerally, a fiber optic radiation transmission system is provided whichincludes a connector for carrying an end of an optical fiber to a sourceof radiation and biasing the optical fiber end such that it is seatedsecurely with respect to the radiation source. The system is dimensionedto facilitate such a secure seating arrangement and configured toprovide optical connection between the seated optical fiber and theradiation source.

More particularly, in the system of the present invention, the opticalfiber is positioned within the connector such that the connector carriesthe optical fiber into seated relation with respect to the radiationsource. The connector is configured to provide sufficient biasing forceto seat the optical fiber securely relative to the radiation source andthus, to bring the optical fiber into optical communication with theradiation source. In this manner, the connector establishes good opticalcommunication between the end of the optical fiber and the radiationsource.

Once such optical communication is provided, a connecting portion of theconnector engages the connection port, preferably via a robust anduser-friendly snapping mechanism. The connecting portion of theconnector is constructed to provide sufficient engagement, or latching,force to balance ejection forces that are created when the optical fiberis biased in its seated relation to the radiation source. Thus, theconnector body is useful for securing the optical fiber end in a biased,seated relation to the radiation source and thereby, ensuring that goodoptical communication therebetween is established in preparation foruse.

Additional objects, advantages and features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following description of its preferredembodiments, which description should be taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a fiber opticradiation transmission system which includes an optical fiber and asource of radiation, shown in a connected configuration, according tothe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a system for connecting an opticalfiber and a source of radiation, such as the system of FIG. 1, shown ina disconnected configuration;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, side-elevational view of the connecting systemof FIG. 2, wherein a connection port assembly of the system is shown incross-section.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a connection port assembly of theconnecting system of any of FIGS. 1-3, shown schematically in partialdisassembly, according to an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a connector body and a connection port ofthe connecting system of FIG. 1, according to an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6A-6C are illustrations of a biasing component of a connectorbody, according to alternate embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A fiber optic radiation transmission system 10 which includes an opticalfiber 12 and a source of radiation 26, is illustrated in a connectedconfiguration in FIG. 1, according to the present invention. The system10 may also be referred to as a system for connecting an optical fiber12 and a source of radiation 26.

Hereinafter, the terms "proximal" and "distal" used in relation to thesystem 10 refer to relative spatial locations of features nearest to theleft and nearest to the right, respectively, of the system as it isshown, extending along longitudinal axis A, in FIG. 1.

The system 10 includes an optical fiber 12, which may be a standardoptical fiber, having a core, typically composed of glass, a cladding,and a jacket. The optical fiber 12 extends along longitudinal axis A,from a distal end 14, which serves as the connection end of the system,to a proximal end 15, which serves as the radiation-transmitting end ofthe system.

The radiation-transmitting end 15 may terminate in a diffusing tip, suchas diffusing tip 17 shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, theradiation-transmitting end 15 terminates in a light-diffusing device, asdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/550,846, now allowedentitled "Light-Diffusing Device for an Optical Fiber, Methods ofProducing and Using Same, and Apparatus for Diffusing Light from anOptical Fiber" and filed concurrently herewith by Esch, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by this reference. Such a preferredlight-diffusing device, or radiation emitter, is characterized in thatit emits radiation from a surface along a length thereof.

The connection end 14 of the optical fiber 12 may be circumferentiallysurrounded by a ferrule 16. The ferrule may be a standard ferrule,preferably being a SMA 905 ferrule such as that available from AmphenolCorporation of Lisle, Ill. The ferrule 16 terminates in an open distalend 18 which preferably coincides with connection end 14 of theferrule-surrounded optical fiber 12, as shown.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ferrule 16 is carried within a connector 60, orconnector body, which extends along longitudinal axis A. Preferably, theferrule is carried coaxially within the connector body 60. The ferrule16 is positioned within the connector body 60 such that it is accessiblethrough an open distal end 62 of the connector body. By way of example,the distal end 18 of the ferrule 16 may extend beyond a distal end 62 ofthe connector body, as shown in FIG. 1.

The ferrule 16 is circumferentially and longitudinally seated within theconnector body 60. By way of example, the ferrule 16 may have an outercircumference 20 which substantially corresponds to an innercircumference 64 of the connector body 60 so that the ferrule iscircumferentially seated, while being freely rotatable, therein. Furtherby way of example, the ferrule may have an axially extended structure22, such as an annular lip, which fits into a gap 66 of the connectorbody, thereby seating the ferrule longitudinally with respect to theconnector body. Preferably, the annular lip 22 and the gap 66 areconstructed to engage one another in a snap-fit manner, so that theferrule is simply extended into the connector body sufficiently for asnap-fit connection, as further described in relation to FIG. 5.

The ferrule 16 includes a shoulder 24, or a seating surface, which ispreferably an annular structure along the outer circumference 20 of theferrule. The shoulder 24 is accessible through the distal end 62 of theconnector body 60, as shown. The shoulder 24 is located a predetermineddistance D from the distal end 18 of the ferrule, the distance D beingsufficient to establish optical communication between the connection end14 of the optical fiber 12 and the radiation source 26 when the systemis connected as shown in FIG. 1. As further described herein, theshoulder 24 plays a role in positioning the connection end 14 of theoptical fiber 12 relative to the radiation source 26.

The radiation source 26 provides the radiant energy which is transmittedto the optical fiber 12, when the optical fiber is connected in thismanner. The radiation source 26 includes a radiation generator andtransmitter, generally indicated by reference numeral 28, which ispreferably a laser for generating and transmitting light energy. Theradiation generator and transmitter 28 may be housed in a housing 30, oran optical bench.

The radiation source 26 is associated with a connection port, such asconnection port 46 further described herein. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the radiation source 26 includes a bulkhead 32 which opens ontoand communicates with a connection port assembly 40. Disposed within thebulkhead 32 is a bulkhead connector 34 which receives a distal end 62 ofthe connector body 60, such that the connection end 14 of the opticalfiber 12 is carried by the connector body into optical communicationwith the radiation source 26.

The bulkhead connector 34 has a seating surface 36 of a constructionsufficient to provide a seat for the shoulder 24, or seating surface, ofthe ferrule 16. Preferably, the seating surface 36 has a shape thatsubstantially corresponds to that of the ferrule shoulder 24, so thatthe ferrule shoulder seats well against the seating surface. Preferably,the shoulder 24 and the seating surface 36 are corresponding planarsurfaces, which are vertical relative to longitudinal axis A of thesystem 10, as shown in FIG. 1.

The connection end 14 of the optical fiber 12 is positioned within theferrule 16 such that when the ferrule shoulder 24 is seated against theseating surface 36 of the bulkhead connector 34, the optical fiber is inoptical communication with the radiation source 26. For example, asshown in FIG. 1, the connection end 14 extends beyond the ferruleshoulder 24 a distance D which corresponds to a distance appropriate forestablishing optical communication between the optical fiber 12 and theradiation source 26 when the shoulder 24 is seated against the seatingsurface 36 of the bulkhead connector 34.

In system 10, good optical communication is established or ensured byseating the ferrule shoulder 24 against the seating surface 36 underbias, as further described in relation to the connector body 60. As theferrule shoulder 24 is pressured against the seating surface 36, theseating relationship is firmly established, as is the resulting opticalcommunication between the optical fiber 12 and radiation source 26. Inthis manner, the system 10 provides reliable optical communicationbetween the optical fiber 12 and the radiation source 26.

The connecting system 10 of the present invention may be constructed toaccommodate a standard SMA 905 bulkhead having a SMA 905 bulkheadconnector for mating with a SMA 905 ferrule, as further described inrelation to FIG. 5. Preferably, the bulkhead 32 is an adaptation of thestandard SMA 905 bulkhead, in which the threads on outer circumferenceof the SMA 905 bulkhead connector are removed, or machined down to theirroot diameter, so that the distal end 62 of the connector body 60 fitsover a relatively smooth outer circumference 58 of the bulkheadconnector 34 without, or with minimal, resistance, as shown in FIG. 1.

The bulkhead connector 34 may also serve as a holder for a focusingdevice, represented by dashed line 38, such as a lens. In such aconfiguration, the focusing device 38 may be held at the distal end ofthe lens holder 34. The focusing device 38 is used to focus radiationfrom the radiation source 26 sufficiently for transmission to theoptical fiber 12. In a preferred configuration, the bulkhead connector34 holds a lens 38 sufficient for focusing radiation from the laser 28of the radiation source 26 for transmission to the optical fiber 12,when the optical fiber is seated relative to the radiation source.

The radiation source 26 opens onto and communicates with a connectionport assembly 40 via the bulkhead 32, as shown in FIG. 1. The connectionport assembly 40, or connection block, has an opening 42 at its distalend which communicates with the bulkhead 32, and another opening 46, orconnection port, at its proximal end. The connection port is of aconstruction sufficient to engage a connecting portion 72 of theconnector body 60, as further described in relation to the connectorbody. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the connection port assembly 40 definesa channel 44, between the opening 42 and the connection port 46, whichis adapted to receive a distal portion 68 of the connector body 60 whichis extendable therein.

The connection port 46 includes a projection 50 which may be locatedalong its inner circumference 48, as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, theprojection 50 is a lip-type projection located at the outermost edge ofthe port 46, extending annularly along the entire inner circumference 48of the port, and projecting a uniform distance into the opening of theport. As further described in relation to the connector body 60, theprojection 50 cooperates with the connector body 60 to secure theoptical fiber 12 in an optically communicating relationship with theradiation source 26.

Preferably, the connection port assembly 40 further includes a recess52, or groove, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The recess 52 is peripheral to theconnection port 46 and, most preferably, is an annular recesscircumferentially surrounding the port. Communicating with the recess 52is a connection verification switch 54 which is passive, for example,naturally extended in an "off" position, when the system is disconnected(as shown in FIGS. 2-4), and activated, for example, depressed from thenaturally extended position to an "on" position, when the system isconnected (as shown in FIG. 1). The switch 54 is electrically connectedto circuitry (not shown) via connection pins 56. The circuitry providesan electrical signal S which indicates whether the switch 54 is passiveor activated, and thus, whether the system 10 is disconnected orproperly connected, as further described in relation to the connectorbody 60. The system 10 thus facilitates connection verification.

According to the present invention, a connector body 60 is provided forbringing the connection end 14 of the optical fiber 12 into opticalcommunication with the radiation source 26, applying a biasing force toensure that the optical connection is established, and securing theoptical fiber in such a connecting relationship with the radiationsource. While the connector body 60 may be composed of a variety ofmaterials, it is preferably composed of durable plastic.

As described above, the connector body 60 carries the ferrule-surroundedoptical fiber 12 so that the connection end 14 thereof extends beyondits distal end 62 for a distance appropriate for establishing opticalcommunication between the optical fiber 12 and the radiation source 26,when the shoulder 24 is brought into contact with the seating surface 36of the bulkhead connector 34. Thus, when the connector body 60 issufficiently extended towards the radiation source 26 to establish suchcontact, the optical fiber 12 is optically connected to the radiationsource 26.

More particularly, the connector body 60 includes an extendable distalportion 68, as shown in FIG. 3. The connector body 60 is structured suchthat the distal portion 68 is sufficiently extendable into the channel44 to bring the ferrule shoulder 24 into contact with the seatingsurface 36 of the bulkhead connector 34. In this manner, the connectionend 14 of the optical fiber 12 is brought into optical communicationwith the radiation source 26.

The connector body 60 is also structured such that, once such opticalcommunication is established, the distal portion 68 is sufficientlyextendable into the channel 44 to seat the ferrule shoulder 24 underbias, in relation to the seating surface 36. This biased, seatedrelationship is accomplished via a biasing component 70 of the distalportion 68, which provides a biasing force F, directed distally alonglongitudinal axis A, sufficient to seat the ferrule shoulder 24 relativeto the seating surface 36.

When the connector body 60 is biased in this manner, the biasingcomponent 70 also provides an ejection force E, directed proximallyalong longitudinal axis A. As further described herein, the ejectionforce is sufficient to unseat the ferrule shoulder 24 relative to theseating surface 36 when system 10 is not fully connected.

While the biasing component 70 is preferably an integral part of theconnector body 60, as described above, it may be a separate part whichis added to the connector body. Further, the biasing component 70 may bemade of a material that is different than that of the connector body 60,for example, a material of sufficient strength or flexibility to provideappropriate biasing force F.

Preferably, the biasing component 70 is a compression spring whichbecomes sufficiently compressed (as shown in FIG. 1) when the distalportion 68 is extended to seat the ferrule shoulder 24 against theseating surface 36, to provide a biasing force F which is sufficient toensure that the optical connection between the connection end 14 of theoptical fiber 12 and the radiation source 26 is firmly established.

In an alternate embodiment, the biasing component 70 may include atleast one flexible lever arm 130, as illustrated in FIG. 6A. By way ofexample, flexible lever arms 130 may be molded as part of the connectorbody 60 along the distal portion 68. In this embodiment, the lever armsbecome sufficiently depressed in the forward direction of arrow 132 whenthe distal portion 68 of the connector body is sufficiently extended toprovide the biasing force F described above.

In a further alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6B, the biasingcomponent 70 may comprise a drumhead-type arrangement 134 including aportion which is normally convex (as shown in solid lines) with respectto the distal portion 68 of the connector body and becomes sufficientlyconcave (as shown in broken lines) with respect to the distal portionwhen the distal portion is sufficiently extended to provide the biasingforce F described above. In this latter embodiment, the drumnhead-typearrangement may be formed as a part of a connecting portion 72 of theconnector body 60, for example, adjacent to and interiorly disposedrelative to an engaging element 74 of the connecting portion, which isfurther described herein.

In yet another alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6C, the biasingcomponent 70 may comprise a flexible surface 136. By way of example, theflexible surface 136 may be either solid or segmented (as shown) andmolded as part of the connector body 60 along the distal portion 68. Inthis embodiment, the flexible surface becomes sufficiently compressed inthe direction of arrow 138, and thus, extended radially and in theoutward direction of arrows 140 relative to the connector body, when thedistal portion 68 is sufficiently extended to provide the biasing forceF described above.

The connector body 60 is also structured such that, when the ferruleshoulder 24 is seated under bias relative to the seating surface 36, thedistal portion 68 is sufficiently extendable into the channel 44 tobring a connecting portion 72 of the connector body 60 into engagementwith the connection port 46 of the connection port assembly 40. Thesystem 10 is thus physically connected as shown in FIG. 1, with theconnection end 14 of the optical fiber 12 optically connected to theradiation source 26.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting portion 72 of the connector body 60is of a construction sufficient for engagement with the connection port46. The connecting portion 72 includes an engaging element 74 forengaging the projection 50 of the port 46. The engaging element 74 maybe located along the outer circumference 76 of the connecting portion 72for engagement with the projection 50, when projection 50 is located onthe inner circumference 48 of the connection port 46, as shown inFIG. 1. The engaging element 74 is of sufficient construction to providea holding force which exceeds the ejection force E.

By way of example, the engaging element 74 may include at least oneengaging spring 78 along the outer circumference 76 of the connectingportion 72. Preferably, the engaging element 74 includes engagingsprings 78, or leaf springs, extending annularly along the outercircumference 76. In this preferred embodiment, the engaging springs 78fit over the projection 50, which is preferably a lip-type projection,to cause the engaging element to latchingly engage the projection. Theengaging springs 78 are thus much like flexible lever arms, ridges orthe like, which are displaced inwardly in a radial direction (asschematically depicted by arrows I in FIG. 5) by the projection 50 whenthe distal portion 68 of the connector body 60 is extended sufficientlyinto channel 44 and resiliently snap outwardly in a radial direction (asschematically depicted by arrows O in FIG. 5) when the distal portion isextended further into the channel such that the engaging springs fitover the projection for engagement therewith. In this manner, theconnector body 60 snaps into the connection port 46.

In this preferred embodiment, the engaging springs 78 are preciselydimensioned to provide a latching force sufficient relative to theejection force E, to maintain engagement with the projection. Thisensures that the snap-fit connection is secure when the system 10 isconnected as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the engaging springs 78 aremolded as part of the connector body 60 to provide sufficient integrityin the snap-fit system.

The optical fiber connecting system 10 thus provides an efficient meansfor establishing optical communication between the optical fiber 12 andthe radiation source 26. The connector body 60 is simply extended intothe channel 44 until the connecting portion 72 engages the connectionport 46, whereby system 10 is fully connected with the optical fiber 12biased into the bulkhead 32 to be firmly established in opticalcommunication with the radiation source 26. The system 10 is thus easilymanipulated to establish such connection, particularly when thepreferred snap-fit connection system is employed.

As described above, the connection port assembly 40 preferably includesa recess 52 which communicates with a connection verification switch 54.By way of example, the switch 54 may extend into the recess 52, as shownin FIGS. 1-4. In a preferred embodiment, the connector body 60 carriesan element 80 for activating the switch 54. This switch-activatingelement 80 is of a construction sufficient to fit into the recess 52 andto activate the switch, for example, by the depression thereof, when theconnector body 60 is snapped into the connection port 46.

When the connection verification switch 54 is activated, the system 10provides an electrical signal S indicating that the system is properlyconnected in preparation for use. However, when the connector body 60 isnot snapped into the connection port 46, the system 10 provides no suchindication or provides an indication of improper or failed connection.In this manner, the system 10 provides a simple mechanism for verifyingthat the connector body 60 is properly connected to the connection port46.

By way of example, when the connector body 60 is under bias, but isreleased before it engages the connection port 46, the ejection force Eacts on the connector body to move it away from the connection port 46.When this occurs, the activating element 80 is not in a position toactivate the connection verification switch 54. In such event, thesystem 10 may provide an electrical signal S to alert the user that thesystem 10 is not properly connected for use. The system 10 thus providesa built-in safety mechanism which is convenient for the user.

The activating element 80 is preferably an annular structure whichcircumferentially surrounds the connector body 60, as shown in FIGS.1-3. The activating element 80 may be molded as part of the connectorbody 60. However, when the activating element 80 and the connectingportion 72 lie in the same plane as shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable toform them as separate parts of the connector body 60.

The activating element 80 includes a protruding structure 82 dimensionedto fit into the recess 52 and to depress switch 54 when system 10 isconnected as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the protruding structure 82 isan annular structure which fits into annular recess 52 for depression ofthe switch 54 disposed in the recess. In this preferred embodiment, theannular protrusion 82 bears against the annular recess 52, therebystabilizing, or spreading, unintended or undesirable forces acting onthe connector body 60 to move the connecting portion 72 thereof out ofengagement with the connection port 42. The annular protrusion 82 thusstabilizes the connector body with respect to such anti-connection ordislodging forces. This stabilizing feature is particularly useful withrespect to forces which are not coaxial with the optical fiber 12, suchas lateral forces.

Preferably, the optical fiber connecting system 10 includes an opticalfiber identification system. In this preferred embodiment, theconnection port assembly 40 includes a detection device 84, such as thatshown in FIG. 4. The detection device 84 carries at least one detector90 to detect fiber identification information. By way of example, thedetector device 84 may include two detector plates 86 and 88 arrangedalong the channel 44 of the connection port assembly, as shown in FIG.4. For example, plate 86 may carry two detectors 90 (as shown), whileplate 88 may carry three detectors 90 (partially obscured) which facethose on opposing plate 86. In this example, the detector device 84 maybe configured to detect up to five independent pieces of information,such as 5 bits of information or five binary states, from its fivedetectors 90. Preferably, the detectors are arranged such that they donot interfere with one another, such as in the nonaligned, ornon-overlapping, configuration shown in FIG. 4.

In this preferred embodiment, the connector body 60 carries identifyinginformation 92 on the distal portion 68 thereof. As schematically shownin FIG. 3, the identifying information 92 is arranged on the distalportion 68 so that it is detectable by the detectors 90 when the system10 is in the connected configuration of FIG. 1.

Preferably, the detectors 90 are digital code sensors and theidentifying information 92 includes a digital code which identifies theoptical fiber. As shown in FIG. 3, the digital code may be in the formof at least one band located on the distal portion 68 of the connectorbody 60. Preferably, the digital code is in the form of at least oneband that circumferentially surrounds the distal portion 68, so that thedistal portion need not be circumferentially aligned upon connection inorder for the code to be detected.

In the operation of this embodiment of system 10, the user connects theconnector body 60 to the connection port 46 whereupon the detectiondevice 84 detects the identifying information 92 on the connector body60. Preferably, in the above-described switch-activation embodiment ofthe system 10, when the connection verification switch 54 is activated,the electrical signal S alerts the system 10 or the user thereof thatthe system is appropriately configured for optical fiber identification,whereupon the system detects the optical fiber identificationinformation 92.

The detection device 84 may generate a signal S' which indicates whattype, or whether or not the proper type, of optical fiber 12 has beenconnected to the system 10. By way of example, based on the informationdetected, such as the type of optical fiber 12 connected to the system,the signal S' may provide the system with predetermined operationalinstructions appropriate for that type of optical fiber, such asirradiation power and time. The system 10 thus provides a built-insafety mechanism which is convenient for the user. Preferably, thesystem 10 also provides a mechanism by which the user may override thesepredetermined operational instructions, if desired for safety or otherpurposes.

Preferably, the optical fiber connecting system 10 includes a shuttersystem. In this embodiment, the connection block 40 includes a shutterassembly 94, in which a shutter 96 lowers to prevent radiation deliveryfrom the source 26 when the system 10 is disconnected (as shown in FIGS.2-4) and rises to allow for such delivery when the system is connected(as shown in FIG. 1). The shutter 96 may also function as acontamination shield when in the lowered position, preventingcontamination of the radiation source 26 from the environment when thesystem 10 is disconnected.

According to this preferred embodiment, the connection block 40 includesa shutter 96 located along the channel 44. The shutter 96 is movablebetween a blocking position (as shown in FIGS. 2-4) and an open position(as shown in FIG. 1). When the shutter 96 is in the blocking position,it interrupts the channel 44 and thus, interrupts the transmission ofradiation from the radiation source 26 along the channel. Thisinterruption occurs at a point P along the channel 44, as shown in FIG.3. When the shutter 96 is in the open position, it is out of suchinterrupting relation with the channel 44, as shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shutter 96 is in the blocking position when theconnector body 60 is located proximally relative to the point P. Theshutter 96 is in the open position when the distal end 62 of theconnector body is located distally relative to the point P, as shown inFIG. 1. Preferably, the shutter 96 is moved between its blocking andopen positions by way of the axial movement of the distal portion 68 ofthe connector body 60 within the channel 44. According to thisembodiment, the system 10 provides a convenient safety mechanism whichensures that radiation is not transmitted from the connection block 40when the connector body 60 is not extended sufficiently into the channel44 for proper operation of the system.

As described above, the connector system 10 may be constructed forcompatibility with ferrules, optical fiber connectors and bulkheadconnectors, which are standard in industry. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, the connector body 60 is constructed to be compatible with astandard SMA 905 ferrule 106 and a standard SMA 905 bulkhead connector112.

As is standard in current applications, the optical fiber 12 (not shownin FIG. 5) is circumferentially surrounded by the SMA 905 ferrule 106.According to this embodiment, the connector body 60 is adapted toreceive the ferrule 106 therein when the ferrule is simply advanced intothe connector body under pressure sufficient to snap the ferrule lip 108into the gap 66 of the connector body. By way of example, connector body60 may include a flexible snapping mechanism 120, such as at least onelever arm, ridge, spring or the like, which is displaced outwardly in aradial direction (schematically shown by arrows 0 in FIG. 5) by theferrule lip 108 when the ferrule 106 is advanced sufficiently into theconnector body and resiliently snaps inwardly in a radial direction(schematically shown by arrows I in FIG. 5) when the ferrule is furtheradvanced into the connector body such that the snapping mechanism 120fits over the ferrule lip 108 for engagement therewith. The ferrule 106is thus snapped into the connector body, while being freely rotatabletherein.

In this embodiment, the connector body 60 includes a threaded portion118 along the inner circumference 64 of the distal portion 68 thereof.The threaded portion 118 is threaded to mate with corresponding threads114 on the outer circumference 116 of the SMA 905 bulkhead connector112. Thus, the connector body 60 is adapted to be screwed onto thestandard bulkhead connector 112. The connector body 60 is physicallymore substantial, for example, longer, than the standard SMA 905 opticalfiber connector. Consequently, the connector body 60 is screwed onto thestandard bulkhead connector 112 more easily and controllably than is thestandard optical fiber connector. The system 10 thus provides anefficient and reliable means of connection which accommodates standardcomponents.

As the connector body 60 is rotated to connect and to disconnect it fromthe standard bulkhead connector 112, the biasing component 70 thereofexperiences forces, such as insertion, rotational, and withdrawalforces, that are different from those associated with the snap-fitconnection system described herein in relation to FIG. 1. Thus, thebiasing component 70 is constructed sufficiently to accommodate movementof the connector body 60 to screw the threaded portion 116 thereof andthe correspondingly threaded portion 114 of the standard bulkheadconnector 112 together. The biasing component 70 thus remains of aconstruction sufficient to provide the biasing force F sufficient toseat the ferrule shoulder 24 (not shown) relative to the seating surface38 of the bulkhead 32.

According to this alternate embodiment, the optical fiber connectingsystem 10 is thus compatible with components that are standard inindustry. Thus, the user can employ existing components with theconnecting system, thereby avoiding reconfiguration effort and expense.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the connector body 60preferably includes a peripheral structure 98 of a constructionsufficient to minimize the rolling of the connector body 60 over asurface. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the peripheral structure 98 islocated at a point where the connector body 60 is greatest in diameter.Preferably, this peripheral structure 98 is an annular ring whichincludes at least one protrusion 100. The protrusion 100 is dimensionedsuch that it extends outwardly relative to the outer circumference ofthe connector body 60 at its point of greatest diameter, such as theouter circumference of the switch-activating element 80. Preferably,three such protrusions 100 are approximately evenly spaced from oneanother along the outer circumference of the peripheral structure 98,for example, separated by 1200 along the outer circumference of theannular peripheral structure 98, as shown in FIG. 2. The peripheralstructure 98 is particularly useful for arresting any rolling of theconnector body 60 when the connector body is disconnected from thesystem 10 and laid on a flat surface, such as a table.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the connector body 60includes a handle portion 102 which is located proximally relative tothe connecting portion 72, as shown in FIG. 1. The handle 102facilitates the user's manipulation of the connector body 60 forconnection to, and disconnection from, the connector system 10.Preferably, the handle 102 is constructed to facilitate the user'ssingle-handed manipulation of the connector body 60.

The handle 102 preferably includes a grip portion 104 which furtherfacilitates user manipulation of the connector body 60 when the user'shand or glove (i.e., a surgical glove) is wet. As shown in FIG. 1, thediameter of the handle 102 is greatest in the grip portion 104 and ispreferably of a diameter sufficient to provide a sufficient grip foruser ease and comfort. The grip portion 104 may include a modifiedsurface, such as a roughened or textured surface, to provide frictionbetween the surface and the user's hand for a better grip.

The handle 102 may be formed as part of the connector body 60 or as aseparate part to be added to the connector body. The handle 102 and itsgrip portion 104 are preferably designed for user ease and comfort.Thus, the system 10 provides a connector 60 which is easily manipulatedby the user to connect an optical fiber 12 and a radiation source 26.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a fiber opticradiation delivery system 10 is provided which includes a length ofoptical fiber 12 extending from a first end 15 to a second end 14, aradiation emitter 17 attached to the first end, and a connector 60, asdescribed herein, which carries the optical fiber and connects theoptical fiber in a seated and biased configuration such that radiationis provided between the first and second ends. According to yet anotheraspect of the present invention, a connector assembly 10 is providedwhich includes a length of optical fiber having a connection end 14, anda connector 60, as described herein, which carries the optical fiber andconnects the optical fiber in a seated and biased configuration. Inthese two aspects of the invention, the connector 60 has a seatingsurface 24 disposed therein beyond which the optical fiber end 14extends a predetermined distance D which is appropriate for establishingthe optical fiber 12 in a seated and biased configuration within thesystem 10. Thus, the present invention provides a system of appropriatedimension and configuration for establishing an optical fiber in aseated and biased configuration. Such an optical fiber configuration isuseful for such purposes as establishing good physical and opticalconnection between an optical fiber and a radiation source.

Although the various aspects of the present invention have beendescribed with respect to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will beunderstood that the invention is entitled to protection within the fullscope of the appended claims.

It is claimed:
 1. A fiber optic system for transmitting radiation from aradiation source, comprising:a radiation source having a seating surfaceand associated with a connection port; an optical fiber having aradiation-transmitting end and a connection end; a ferrule having ashoulder, said ferrule circumferentially surrounding said optical fiberwith the connection end thereof extending beyond the ferrule shouldersuch that the connection end of said optical fiber is in opticalcommunication with the radiation source when the shoulder is seatedrelative to the seating surface of said radiation source; and aconnector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and anopen distal end, said connector carrying said ferrule coaxially thereinsuch that the shoulder of said ferrule is accessible through the opendistal end, said connector extendable toward the radiation source tobring the shoulder into seated relation with the radiation source and tobring the connecting portion into engaging relation with the connectionport, the biasing component of a construction sufficient to providebiasing force sufficient to seat the shoulder relative to the radiationsource and the connecting portion of a construction sufficient to engagethe connection port.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the connection endof said optical fiber extends beyond the ferrule shoulder a distancesufficient to establish optical communication between said optical fiberand said radiation source when the shoulder is seated relative to theseating surface.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the biasing componentof the connector is a compression spring.
 4. The system of claim 1wherein, when said connector is extended sufficiently to seat theshoulder relative to the seating surface and is released without theconnecting portion having engaged the connection port, an ejection forceis exerted on said connector to move said connector in a directionopposite the seating surface.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein theconnection port has an inwardly directed projection along an innercircumference thereof.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein the connectingportion of said connector includes an engaging element along an outercircumference thereof for engaging the projection of the connectionport.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the projection is a lip and theengaging element fits over and latchingly engages the lip.
 8. The systemof claim 7 wherein the engaging element includes at least one springwhich provides an engaging force sufficient to maintain engagement withthe projection, relative to an ejection force which would otherwise acton said connector body to move said connector in a direction oppositethe seating surface.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein said radiationsource is associated with a switch and said connector carries anactivating element of a construction sufficient to activate the switchwhen the connection portion engages the connection port.
 10. The systemof claim 9 wherein the switch, when activated, generates a signal whichindicates that the connecting portion and the connection are engaged.11. The system of claim 9 wherein the activating element is of aconstruction sufficient to depress the switch.
 12. The system of claim 1wherein the open distal end of said connector fits over an outercircumference of a proximal portion of said radiation source when saidconnector body is extended sufficiently into the channel to bring theshoulder into contact with the seating surface.
 13. The system of claim12 wherein said connector has a threaded portion along an innercircumference thereof, and the proximal portion has a correspondinglythreaded portion along the outer circumference thereof, said connectorsufficiently rotatable to screw the threaded portion and thecorrespondingly threaded portion together.
 14. The system of claim 1wherein said connector carries information which identifies said opticalfiber.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein the information includes adigital code.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the code is in the formof at least one band circumferentially surrounding said connector. 17.The system of claim 1 wherein, at a point where said connector isgreatest in diameter, said connector includes a peripheral structure ofa construction sufficient to minimize rolling of said connector over asurface.
 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the peripheral structureincludes at least one protrusion extending outwardly relative to anouter circumference of said connector body at its point of greatestdiameter.
 19. A system for connecting an optical fiber and a radiationsource, comprising:an optical fiber having a connection end; a ferrulehaving a shoulder, said ferrule circumferentially surrounding saidoptical fiber with the connection end thereof extending beyond theferrule shoulder; a connection block including a connection port, adistal opening and a channel therebetween; a radiation source includinga proximal portion and a seating surface, the proximal portion defininga proximal opening which is in communication with the distal opening ofsaid connection block, the seating surface being of a constructionsufficient to receive the ferrule shoulder thereagainst in seatedrelation thereto, the connection end of said optical fiber beingreceived within the proximal opening and in optical communication withsaid radiation source when the shoulder is so seated; and a connectorbody including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an opendistal end, said connector body carrying said ferrule coaxially thereinsuch that the shoulder of said ferrule is accessible through the opendistal end, said connector body extendable into the channel of saidconnection block to bring the ferrule shoulder into contact with theseating surface, and further extendable into the channel to seat theshoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage the connectionport of said connection block, the biasing component of a constructionsufficient to provide biasing force sufficient to seat the shoulderrelative to the seating surface when said connector body is extendedsufficiently, and the connecting portion of a construction sufficient toengage the connection port when said connector body is extendedsufficiently.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the connection end ofsaid optical fiber extends beyond the ferrule shoulder a distancesufficient to establish optical communication between said optical fiberand said radiation source when the shoulder is seated relative to theseating surface.
 21. The system of claim 19 wherein the biasingcomponent of the connector body is a compression spring.
 22. The systemof claim 19 wherein, when said connector body is extended sufficientlyinto the channel to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surfaceand is released without the connecting portion having engaged theconnection port, an ejection force is exerted on said connector body tomove said connector body in a direction opposite the seating surface.23. The system of claim 19 wherein the connection port has an inwardlydirected projection along an inner circumference thereof.
 24. The systemof claim 23 wherein the connecting portion of said connector bodyincludes an engaging element along an outer circumference thereof forengaging the projection of the connection port.
 25. The system of claim24 wherein the projection is a lip and the engaging element fits overand latchingly engages the lip.
 26. The system of claim 25 wherein theengaging element includes at least one spring which provides an engagingforce sufficient to maintain engagement with the projection, relative toan ejection force which would otherwise act on said connector body tomove said connector body in a direction opposite the seating surface.27. The system of claim 19 wherein said connection block includes arecess adjacent to an outer circumference of the connection port and aswitch in communication with the recess, said connector body carrying anactivating element of a construction sufficient to fit into the recessand to activate the switch when the connection portion engages theconnection port.
 28. The system of claim 27 wherein the switch, whenactivated, generates a signal which indicates that the connectingportion and the connection port are engaged.
 29. The system of claim 27wherein the switch extends into the recess and the activating elementincludes a protruding structure of a construction sufficient to depressthe switch when the connection portion engages the connection port. 30.The system of claim 29 wherein the protruding structure is of aconstruction sufficient to stabilize said connector body with respect toan undesirable force acting thereon when the connecting portion and theconnector port are engaged, which would otherwise act on said connectorbody to move the connection portion thereof out of engagement with theconnection port.
 31. The system of claim 19 wherein the open distal endof said connector body fits over an outer circumference of the proximalportion of said radiation source when said connector body is extendedsufficiently into the channel to bring the shoulder into contact withthe seating surface.
 32. The system of claim 31 wherein said connectorbody has a threaded portion along an inner circumference thereof, andthe proximal portion has a correspondingly threaded portion along theouter circumference thereof, said connector body sufficiently rotatableto screw the threaded portion and the correspondingly threaded portiontogether.
 33. The system of claim 19 wherein said connection blockincludes at least one detector along the channel thereof and saidconnector body carries information capable of being detected by thedetector when the connecting portion and the connection port areengaged.
 34. The system of claim 33 wherein the detector is a digitalcode sensor and the information includes a digital code which identifiessaid optical fiber.
 35. The system of claim 34 wherein the code is inthe form of at least one band circumferentially surrounding saidconnector body.
 36. The system of claim 19 wherein, at a point wheresaid connector body is greatest in diameter, said body includes aperipheral structure of a construction sufficient to minimize rolling ofsaid connector body over a surface.
 37. The system of claim 36 whereinthe peripheral structure includes at least one protrusion extendingoutwardly relative to an outer circumference of said connector body atits point of greatest diameter.
 38. The system of claim 19 wherein saidconnection block includes a shutter which is movable between a blockingposition and an open position, when in the blocking position, theshutter interrupting the channel and thereby capable of interruptingtransmission of radiation from the radiation source along the channel,when in the open position, the shutter out of interrupting relation withthe channel.
 39. The system of claim 38 wherein the shutter ispositioned relative to the channel to interrupt the channel at a pointtherealong, the shutter in the blocking position when said connectorbody is located proximally relative to the point and in the openposition when said connector body is extended sufficiently into thechannel such that the distal end of said connector body is locateddistally relative to the point.
 40. A fiber optic radiation deliverysystem, comprising:a length of optical fiber having first and secondends; a radiation emitter attached to the first end, said emittercharacterized by emitting radiation from a surface along a lengththereof; a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing componentand an open distal end, said connector carrying said optical fibertherein such that the second end is accessible through the open distalend, said connector having a seating surface disposed therein beyondwhich the second end extends a predetermined distance, said connectorcharacterized by seating said optical fiber via the seating surfaceunder a biasing force provided by the biasing component and connectingsaid optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seated and biasedconfiguration thereby to provide radiation between the first and secondends.
 41. A connector assembly, comprising:a length of optical fiberhaving a connection end; a connector including a connecting portion, abiasing component and an open distal end, said connector carrying saidoptical fiber therein such that the connection end is accessible throughthe open distal end, said connector having a seating surface disposedtherein beyond which the second end extends a predetermined distance,said connector characterized by seating said optical fiber via theseating surface under a biasing force provided by the biasing componentand connecting said optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seatedand biased configuration.
 42. A method of connecting an optical fiber toa radiation source for transmitting radiation therefrom,comprising:providing a radiation source which has a seating surface andis associated with a connection port; providing an optical fiber whichhas a radiation-transmitting end and a connection end; providing aferrule which has a shoulder, the ferrule surrounding the optical fiberwith the connection end extending beyond the ferrule shoulder; providinga connector which includes a connecting portion, a biasing component andan open distal end, the connector carrying the ferrule therein such thatthe shoulder of the ferrule is accessible through the open distal end,the connector extendable toward the radiation source to bring theshoulder into seated relation with the radiation source and to bring theconnecting portion into engaging relation with the connection port, thebiasing component of a construction sufficient to provide biasing forcesufficient to seat the shoulder relative to the radiation source and theconnecting portion of a construction sufficient to engage the connectionport; and extending the connector toward the radiation source to seatthe shoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage theconnecting portion and the connection port.
 43. The method of claim 42wherein the biasing component is compressible and provides biasing forcewhen the connector is extended sufficiently to compress the biasingcomponent.
 44. The method of claim 42, further comprising providing aswitch and an activating element, wherein upon said extending of theconnector to engage the connecting portion and the connection port, theactivating element activates the switch.
 45. The method of claim 44wherein a signal is generated when the switch is activated.
 46. Themethod of claim 42, further comprising providing information whichidentifies the optical fiber and a detector for detecting theinformation, wherein upon said extending of the connector to engage theconnecting portion and the connection port, the detector detects theinformation.
 47. A method of connecting an optical fiber to a radiationsource, comprising:providing an optical fiber which has a connectionend; providing a ferrule which has a shoulder, the ferrulecircumferentially surrounding the optical fiber with the connection endextending beyond the ferrule shoulder; providing a connection blockincluding a connection port and a channel; providing a radiation sourcein communication with the connection block, the radiation source havingan opening defined by an outer circumference therearound and a seatingsurface for receiving the ferrule shoulder thereagainst in seatedrelation thereto, the connection end of the optical fiber received inthe opening and in optical communication with the radiation source whenthe shoulder is so seated; providing a connector body including aconnecting portion, a biasing portion and an open distal end, theconnector body carrying the ferrule therein such that the shoulder ofsaid ferrule is accessible through the open distal end, the connectorbody extendable into the channel to bring the shoulder into contact withthe seating surface, and further extendable into the channel to seat theshoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage the connectionport, the biasing portion providing biasing force sufficient to seat theshoulder relative to the seating surface when the connector body isextended sufficiently, and the connecting portion engaging theconnection port when the connector body is extended sufficiently; andextending the connector body into the channel to seat the shoulderrelative to the seating surface and to engage the connecting portion andthe connection port.
 48. A method of providing radiation from an opticalfiber, comprising:providing a length of optical fiber having first andsecond ends; providing a radiation emitter attached to the first end,the emitter characterized by emitting radiation from a surface along alength thereof; providing a connector including a connecting portion, abiasing component and an open distal end, the connector carrying theoptical fiber therein such that the second end is accessible through theopen distal end, the connector having a seating surface disposed thereinbeyond which the second end extends a predetermined distance; seatingthe optical fiber via the seating surface under a biasing force providedby the biasing component; and connecting the optical fiber via theconnecting portion in a seated and biased configuration therebyproviding radiation between the first and second ends.
 49. A method ofconnecting an optical fiber, comprising:providing a length of opticalfiber having a connection end; providing a connector including aconnecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, theconnector carrying the optical fiber therein such that the connectionend is accessible through the open distal end, the connector having aseating surface disposed therein beyond which the second end extends apredetermined distance; seating the optical fiber via the seatingsurface under a biasing force provided by the biasing component; andconnecting the optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seated andbiased configuration.